The accident, which took place in Apiate near the mining town of Bogoso, happened when a vehicle carrying explosives to Kinross' Chirano gold mine crashed into a motorbike.

"Preliminary investigation has established that a mining explosive vehicle moving from Tarkwa to Chirano mines collided with a motorcycle, resulting in the explosion," Ghana's police service said on January 21. 

Initial reports indicated the truck carrying the explosives had departed from Gold Field's Tarkwa mine. However, Gold Fields has since said this is not the case, and the truck had started its journey from an explosives depot in the town of Tarkwa. 

"We offer our support to authorities and the people of the community. We are ready to assist any way we can," Gold Fields acting vice president Joshua Mortoti said. 

The company said it has provided resources including tents, food and equipment to support relief activities. 

A Kinross spokesperson told Reuters that the incident happened 140km from its mine. 

"The public has been advised to move out of the area to nearby towns for their safety while recovery efforts are underway. An appeal is also being made to nearby towns to open up their classrooms, churches etc to accommodate surviving victims," Ghana's police service said.